Number plates indicate that many are from southern districts

Even as officials of the Election Commission are keeping a strict vigil in Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly constituency where a by-poll is scheduled on December 21, as many as 62 vehicles plying without permission in the constituency were seized till Sunday evening.

“The seizure is to prevent money being distributed to voters,” said a senior police officer.

“The vehicles will be impounded till December 21. Any campaigning vehicle without permission will be seized. Action can also be taken against persons campaigning without permission,” said Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni.

The seized vehicles belonged to supporters of various political parties and persons supporting Independent candidates. Most of the vehicles seized within Tondiarpet, New Washermenpet, Korukkupet, Kasimedu and Fishing Harbour police station limits have number plates indicating that they are from the southern districts of the State.

As part of measures to monitor the movement of vehicles to check the distribution of money, EC officials had made it mandatory for the vehicles in the constituency to have a pass issued by the Returning Officer for campaigning or any poll-related activity.